If you are planning a San Francisco engagement photoshoot,, take a look at some of these great spots for inspiration. This Spring is a perfect opportunity to take engagement photos in the City. Between the beaches, alleyways, and hills, this iconic Northern California city is photogenic and one of a kind.
I had the pleasure of photographing Brooke and John’s engagement session and later in the year, their stunning Half Moon Bay wedding. They live on Telegraph Hill and wanted to take pictures in their neighborhood as well as other spots around the city. They are such a fun, unique couple, I knew the portraits we made together would be awesome.
We started with views of the Transamerica Building and moved on to the colorful walls and alleyways near their apartment. Later, we walked through my favorite neighborhood, North Beach. And the day wouldn’t be finished without an ice cream from Swenson’s on Hyde St.
Here are some vibrant neighborhoods to consider for your couples photos.
North Beach
Wedged between Fisherman’s Wharf and Chinatown, North Beach is home to many of San Francisco’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s dubbed ‘Little Italy,’ and sidewalk cafés, gelato shops and Italian restaurants abound here. Right in front of St Paul and Peter’s Cathedral is Washington Square Park, a perfect spot for picnics and people watching. Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill are a huge draw to North Beach and the elevator to the top of the 1930s-era tower offers 360-degree views of the city and surrounding area. It’s a bustling neighborhood dotted with longtime favorite bars, restaurants and cafés, and a full day can easily be spent wandering North Beach’s inviting streets.
Pacific Heights
Pacific Heights, commonly referred to as Pac Heights, is a quiet, posh neighborhood that is often thought to be San Francisco’s most expensive. A stroll down Fillmore Street, a popular shopping and dining destination, reveals designer boutiques and high-end restaurants. Hilly green spaces such as Alta Plaza and Lafayette Park offers phenomenal views of the city, while the neighborhood’s mansions boast old-school architecture and facades that prompt admiration from passersby. Pacific Heights is worth spending a few hours exploring, or even just as a soothing reprieve from the tourist-packed streets of downtown San Francisco.
Nob Hill
With steep hills, upscale restaurants and old Victorian homes, Nob Hill has long been home to old San Francisco money, most notably that of the four tycoons of the Central Pacific Railroad. Luxury hotels such as The Fairmont San Francisco and InterContinental Mark Hopkins sit atop California Street. People walk the labyrinths of the towering, Gothic-style Grace Cathedral, while across the street, the peaceful Huntington Park draws tai chi groups and dog walkers. Nob Hill is an ideal spot for taking in sweeping views of the city, catching a cable car downtown or enjoying a swanky night on the town.
A San Francisco engagement photoshoot is a great way to celebrate your wedding year and who you are as a couple. I’d love to hear about your ideas for portraits. Let’s connect soon!
